By Lisa Carolin
Thursday, Dec. 5, was a memorable day in the life of 33-year-old Nan Dark of Chelsea. That’s the day she went to the Federal Courthouse in Detroit to officially become a citizen of the United States.
In November, Dark had gone to Detroit to take a series of tests, including those for spelling, reading, history and civics. She found out that day that she passed all the tests, so all that was left to become a U.S. citizen was taking the oath before a judge (and more than 100 other new citizens.)
“I feel free,” said Dark. “Now I can get a passport and I have rights. I feel safe.”
Her journey to become a U.S. citizen began in 1997 when the native of Thailand was visiting her brother in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. That’s where she met Steve Dark, from Chelsea, who was visiting Thailand. He had spent many years traveling and spoke fluent Thai.
“Maybe that was my lucky day,” said Nan Dark.
Steve Dark wanted to stay in Thailand, but Nan wanted to come to live in the United States. They moved to San Francisco soon after where Steve Dark had a job. Although she spoke no English, Nan got a job, too.
“I got a job at Burger King and used body language,” explained Nan, who worked in the kitchen of the fast food restaurant.
The couple got married and stayed in San Francisco until 2006 when they decided to move back to Steve’s hometown of Chelsea with their daughter, Stephanie, who is now 12, and their new baby Samantha, who is now 7. Both attend Chelsea schools.
“People are friendly here,” said Nan Dark. “They weren’t in California. It’s quieter in Chelsea, like the country, and it feels more safe here for the kids.”
Although Nan still has family members in Thailand, a few of whom have visited, she realized that the United State is now her home and four months ago began her pursuit of becoming a U.S. citizen. That meant studying American history and civics, and working on what she calls her biggest challenge-spelling.
“My daughter helped me a lot and people at work helped me too,” said Nan Dark.
She’s been working at the TreeHouse indoor playground in Chelsea for nearly a year. Owner Michele Balaka, whose children are friends with Nan’s children, has helped and supported Nan during her quest for citizenship.
“Nan is self-driven, and I was her biggest cheerleader,” said Balaka, who says that Nan is an excellent listener and observer. “I wish every single person who lives in America cared as much as Nan does about being an American.”
As an American citizen, Nan can vote, get a U.S. passport, become an elected official, and collect Social Security, among other rights.
Congratulations to Nan and her family!!